CellsCells 6th Grade Science

CellsCellsThe cell is one of the most basic units of life.  There are millions of different types of cells.  There are cells that are organisms themselves, such as microscopic amoeba and bacteria cells.  And there are cells that only function when part of a larger organism, such as the cells that make up your body.  The cell is the smallest unit of life in our bodies.  In the body, there are brain cells, skin cells, liver cells, stomach cells, and the list goes on.  All of these cells have unique functions and features.  Some have recognizable similarities. 

A plant cell from the leaf of a poplar tree A human red blood cell

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

Cell OrganellesCell Organelles

Organelles are found in both plantplant and animalanimal cells.Organelles are the objects located inside the cell that carry out the activities in the cell and keep it alive.

Cell WallCell Wall

The cell wall is found surrounding plant cells only

This surrounds the cell membrane of a plant cell and gives the cell protection and support.

The cell wall is a rigid structure outside the

cell membrane

ChloroplastChloroplast

Chloroplasts are found in plant cells only.

These organelles contain chlorophyll which is used in the “food making process”, or photosynthesis, and give the plant a green color when exposed to light.

A plant's chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy

Cell MembraneCell MembraneThe cell membrane is found in both plant and animal cells.

The cell membrane is the part of the cell that surrounds and protects it.

It regulates what can enter and leave the cell.

The cell membrane allowsonly certain materials to move

in and out of the cell

CytoplasmCytoplasm

Cytoplasm is found in both plant and animal cells.

This is a jelly like substance inside the cell in which the organelles “float”.

This is the cells environment.

Cytoplasm is the gel-like material inside the cell

(but unlike gelatin it does flow)

NucleusNucleus

A nucleus is found in both plant and animal cells.

The nucleus controls growth and reproduction.

It uses DNA to direct cell activities.

The Boss

MitochondriaMitochondria

Mitochondria are found in both plant and animal cells.

They are the “powerhouse” of the cell.

They produce energy for the cell.

The mitochondria arewhere energy is released

Golgi BodiesGolgi Bodies

Golgi bodies are found in both plant and animal cells.

They package materials and store them or move them around and out of the cell.

Golgi Bodies package and move proteins

VacuoleVacuole

Vacuoles are found in both plant and animal cells.

Vacuoles are an expanding and contracting organelle that stores water, nutrients, and wastes.

Like your suitcase, a vacuole is a temporary storage space

for the cell.

Endoplasmic ReticulumEndoplasmic ReticulumKnown as E.R., they are found in both plant and animal cells.

These are passageways from the nucleus that transport proteins through the cell.

Rough E.R. has ribosomes attached.

Smooth E.R. does not have ribosomes attached.

The ER is like a system of conveyors moving

materials from one place to another

RibosomesRibosomes

Ribosomes are found in both plant and animal cells.

They make proteins for the cell.

LysosomesLysosomes

Lysosomes are found in animal cells.

They recycle worn out products.

A Lysosome acts as a wrecking ball that breaks

apart wastes or worn out cell parts.

Cell QuizCell Quiz

Click on the picture for the quiz.Click on the picture for the quiz.